Samson Siasia berates NPFL players, highlights efforts in player development

By Monsurah Olatunji 

Former Nigeria head coach, Samson Siasia, has criticized players plying their trade in the Nigerian league, asserting that he played a pivotal role in giving some Nigerian players international recognition.

Siasia, who was handed a life ban for alleged involvement in a bribery and match-fixing scandal, recently had his ban reduced to five years after an appeal process.

The 56-year-old has a rich history of coaching Nigeria’s national teams since 2005, leading the U20 team to a silver medal at the 2005 U20 World Cup and guiding the U23 Dream Team to silver and bronze at the 2008 and 2016 Olympics, respectively.

In a podcast discussion alongside former international Emmanuel Babayaro and journalist Matthew Edafe, Siasia revealed his efforts in nurturing young talents, highlighting how he provided a platform for their exposure.

“Do you think they (players) are playing for Nigeria? No, they are playing for me. Your players are looking up to you, and you can’t let them down,” Siasia told Athlst.

“I made the boys who they are today. I put them on a platform where people can see them. If not, who is going to buy a player that is playing in the Nigerian league?”

Siasia’s comments shed light on the challenges faced by Nigerian players in gaining recognition and opportunities abroad, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and exposure in the local league.